Adamson Collegiate Chess Teams struggle in UAAP 87 opening salvo
Date Posted: October 17, 2024 at 04:18 PM
The Adamson University chess teams started the UAAP Season 87 Chess Tournament with setbacks in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
In the men’s division, Adamson fell to Far Eastern University (FEU) in their opening match, 0.5-3.5. Joshua Roque was the only Soaring Falcon to avoid a complete shutout, securing a draw on Board 3 against FEU’s Dale Bernardo. However, FIDE Masters Mark Jay Bacojo, John Merill Jacutina, and Jeth Romy Morado of FEU dominated Boards 1, 2, and 4, defeating Adamson's John Frederick Sunga, Arena International Master Alfonzo Olendo and John Rocel Simon, respectively.
Adamson’s struggles continued in Round 2, where they were overpowered by the University of the Philippines (UP). This time, on Board 1, Roque fell to FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan. At the same time, UP's Arena Grandmaster Io Aristotle Calica and Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco bested Dustin Herrero and Olendo on Boards 4 and 2. Roderenz Adra sealed the sweep by defeating Simon on Board 3. The Soaring Falcons now hold a 0-2 team record with 0.5 match points, placing them at the bottom of the standings.
In the women’s division, Adamson pulled off a 2-2 draw in their opening match against the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Robelle De Jesus and Phoebie Arellano delivered crucial victories on Boards 3 and 4. Still, UST's Josemier Panol and Precious Yecla responded with wins on the top boards, leaving the Lady Falcons with a hard-fought tie.
Unfortunately, Adamson could not carry the momentum into Round 2, falling 1-3 to Ateneo de Manila University. Robelle De Jesus secured a draw on Board 2 against Ma. Elayza Villa, Kristene Flores split the points with Angela San Luis on Board 1. However, Ateneo's Lexie Hernandez and Alphecca Gonzales overwhelmed Mariane Flora and Arellano on Boards 3 and 4, securing Ateneo’s victory.
As of the latest standings, the Lady Falcons have 1.0 team points and 3.0 match points. They need to regroup for their upcoming matches. Both teams will aim to bounce back in Round 3 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Adamson's men’s team will face Ateneo next weekend, while the women’s team will take on National University.
With reports from UAAP Media Team
